Antistatic resin composition comprising thermoplastic resin and conductive filler

ABSTRACT

Provided is an antistatic resin composition, which includes: a thermoplastic resin including a vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); and a conductive filler including carbon nanotubes. A molded article manufactured using the composition of the present invention has the advantage of improved tensile strength, impact resistance, and surface resistance.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an antistatic resin composition.

BACKGROUND ART

Electrification or static electricity is a phenomenon in which an object takes on electrical properties when the balance of electric charges is broken, and is caused by physical motions and states between two objects, such as contact, separation, friction, and flow. An antistatic function refers to preventing the generation of static electricity by increasing the electrical conductivity of an object.

Static electricity is one of the problematic factors in all industries and a factor that reduces productivity, especially in a plastic molding process. In particular, electrostatic discharge may damage circuits in a semiconductor manufacturing process, and many problems, including the malfunction of precision products such as communication devices and major measuring instruments, have occurred.

It is necessary to solve the malfunction issues caused by static electricity problems and contamination and defect problems caused by harmful substances such as dust, and in particular, as the need for removing static electricity and managing pollutants is emphasized, research for the development of antistatic functional materials having electrical conductivity in addition to existing properties is being actively conducted.

An antistatic function is generally provided by applying a coating using a conductive polymer coating agent or by adding a chemical additive such as a hydrophilic surfactant or a conductive material such as carbon black or a nanometal. In particular, PEDOT:PSS, which is a mainly used conductive polymer, easily forms a coating, but the material is vulnerable to heat and ultraviolet rays, so there is a disadvantage that the antistatic function is significantly reduced in a short period of one week, or six months at the most.

Conventionally, conductive fillers, surfactants, metal powders, metal fibers, and the like have been added to impart electrical conductivity. However, when a conductive filler is added to a polymer resin for manufacturing an antistatic composite material, a decrease in mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength may occur. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a material with improved mechanical properties and secured electrical properties.

Technical Problem SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to providing a polymer resin composition having an excellent antistatic function and improved physical properties.

In addition, the present invention is directed to providing an antistatic polymer resin composition having an appropriate melt flow index (MI) to facilitate processing and molding, such as extrusion and injection.

Technical Solution

One aspect of the present invention provides an antistatic resin composition including: a thermoplastic resin including a vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); and a conductive filler including carbon nanotubes.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the conductive filler may be included in an amount of 1 wt % to 20 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoplastic resin may include: 40 wt % to 80 wt % of the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer; and 10 wt % to 40 wt % of the thermoplastic polyurethane.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the content ratio of the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer and the thermoplastic polyurethane may be in the range of 1:1 to 8:1.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the melt flow index (MI) of the thermoplastic resin may be in the range of 20 g/10 min to 60 g/10 min.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the content ratio of the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer and the thermoplastic polyurethane may be in the range of 1:1 to 4:1, and the melt flow index (MI) of the thermoplastic resin may be in the range of 2 g/10 min to 35 g/10 min.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer may have a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 120,000 g/mol to 150,000 g/mol.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer may include components (A) vinyl cyanide compound, (B) conjugated diene compound, and (C) aromatic vinyl compound having the following weight-average molecular weights (Mw).

-   -   Component (A): Mw=45,000 g/mol to 55,000 g/mol     -   Component (B): Mw=50,000 g/mol to 60,000 g/mol     -   Component (C): Mw=25,000 g/mol to 35,000 g/mol

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vinyl cyanide compound (A)-conjugated diene compound (B)-aromatic vinyl compound (C) graft copolymer may include 9 to 44 wt % of component (A), 17 wt % to 79 wt % of component (B), and 9 to 44 wt % of component (C), and the content ratio of the sum of components (A) and (C) and component (B) may be in the range of 4:1 to 1:4.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the conductive filler may additionally include one or more of a carbon filler and carbon black, and the content ratio of the above-described carbon nanotubes and the one or more of a carbon filler and carbon black (i.e., carbon nanotubes:one or more of carbon filler and carbon black) may be in the range of 1:1 to 1:15 by weight.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the carbon nanotubes may be treated with sizing thermoplastic polyurethane.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon nanotubes may be single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, or a combination thereof.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoplastic resin may additionally include one or a combination thereof selected from the group consisting of polyester, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyimide, polyamide, polysulfonate, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyvinyl acetal, polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, modified polyphenylene oxide, SBS, SAN, synthetic rubber, a phenolic resin, an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, and a blend or copolymer thereof.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the composition may additionally include one or more additives selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer, a UV stabilizer, an antioxidant, a lubricant, a heat stabilizer, a rubber, an antibacterial agent, a release agent, a dye, an inorganic additive, a surfactant, a nucleating agent, a coupling agent, a filler, a plasticizer, an impact modifier, an admixture, a colorant, a stabilizer, an antistatic agent, a pigment, and a flame retardant copolymer.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the surface resistance of a specimen prepared by molding the antistatic resin composition may be in the range of 10² ohm/sq to 10⁵ ohm/sq.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the impact strength of a specimen prepared by molding the antistatic resin composition may be in the range of 40 J/m to 100 J/m.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an antistatic molded article manufactured and obtained by subjecting the antistatic resin composition to an extrusion process, an injection process, or a combination thereof.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the molded article may be a battery component, an electronic component transfer cart, an electronic component packaging material, or an electronic component transfer tray.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an antistatic molded article, which includes: preparing the antistatic resin composition; and manufacturing an antistatic molded article by subjecting the antistatic resin composition to extrusion, injection, or a combination thereof.

Advantageous Effects

An antistatic resin composition of the present invention has advantages in that since thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is added in addition to an ABS resin, the composition has excellent electrical properties and improved mechanical properties compared to general thermoplastic resins.

The antistatic resin composition of the present invention has advantages in that although the composition includes a small amount of conductive fillers compared to general antistatic compositions including a combination of a conductive filler and a thermoplastic resin, the desired antistatic performance of 10² ohm/sq to 10⁵ ohm/sq is attained.

The antistatic resin composition of the present invention has advantages in that since impact strength and tensile strength, as well as electrical properties, are maintained, the composition can be used for manufacturing molded articles such as battery components, electronic parts and modules without limitation in the form and size thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail.

The following description of specific functions is merely illustrative and intended to describe embodiments according to the concept of the present invention, and embodiments according to the concept of the present invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein.

Since the embodiments according to the concept of the present invention may have various modifications and various forms, only specific embodiments will be described in detail herein. However, this is not intended to limit the embodiments according to the concept of the present invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the embodiments according to the concept of the present invention include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Terms used herein are used only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art and should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of an antistatic resin composition with improved mechanical and electrical properties according to the present invention, a molded article thereof, and a method of manufacturing the same will be described in detail.

The term “composition” used herein may be used interchangeably with “composite material,” “composite,” or “mixture” in this specification, and it may be understood that the composition is formed of a combination of two or more materials.

In addition, terms such as “molded product” and “molded article” may be used interchangeably with “processed article” herein, and the molded product or molded article may be understood as a product molded into a form suitable for a purpose through the application of heat or pressure.

The present invention relates to an antistatic resin composition, which may include: a thermoplastic resin; and a conductive filler. More specifically, the thermoplastic resin may include a vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In addition, the conductive filler may include carbon nanotubes.

In particular, aspects of the present invention provide: an antistatic resin composition and a molded article thereof, which is prepared by adjusting the content ratio of a vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane mixed with the graft copolymer and thus has improved tensile strength, improved impact resistance, and a melt flow index (MI) appropriate for injection and extrusion processes,

Thermoplastic Resin

In an antistatic resin composition according to one embodiment of the present invention, any type of thermoplastic resin can be used without particular limitation as long as it has thermoplasticity. Specifically, as the thermoplastic resin, one or a combination thereof selected from the group consisting of polyester, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyimide, polyamide, polysulfonate, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyvinyl acetal, polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, modified polyphenylene oxide, ABS, SBS, SAN, synthetic rubber, a phenolic resin, an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, and a blend or copolymer thereof, can be used.

More specifically, the thermoplastic resin may include a vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer, the vinyl cyanide compound may be, for example, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, or a combination thereof.

The conjugated diene compound may be, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of 1,3-butadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-ethyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, isoprene, chloroprene, and piperylene.

The aromatic vinyl compound may be, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of styrene, α-methyl styrene, vinyltoluene, and chlorostyrene.

More specifically, the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer may be an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin.

A melt flow index (MI) is a flow rate when a thermoplastic polymer melt is extruded from a piston under specific conditions and indicates how easily the melt flows. That is, the melt flow index can be used for understanding the flowability of polymer materials. In general, the higher the molecular weight, the lower the MI. When the MI is high, injection moldability is excellent, and when the MI is low, it is advantageous for extrusion. More specifically, when an MI is in the range of 10 g/10 min to 60 g/10 min, injection moldability is excellent, and when the MI is in the range of 0.5 g/10 min to 10 g/10 min, extrusion moldability is excellent. As the proportion of butadiene increases, there is a tendency that the melt flow index (MI) decreases.

When a molding process is performed using the resin composition of the present invention, the MI of the thermoplastic resin may be in the range of 2 g/10 min to g/10 min, more specifically, 10 g/10 min to 50 g/10 min, and even more specifically, g/10 min to 50 g/10 min, 20 g/10 min to 35 g/10 min, or 25 g/10 min to 35 g/10 min. An antistatic resin composition satisfying the above range has an advantage in that both injection moldability and extrusion moldability are excellent.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoplastic resin may include: 40 wt % to 80 wt % of the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer; and 10 wt % to 40 wt % of the thermoplastic polyurethane. More specifically, the thermoplastic resin may include: 47 wt % to 77 wt % of the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer; and 20 wt % to 30 wt % of the thermoplastic polyurethane.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the content ratio of the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer and the thermoplastic polyurethane may be in the range of 1:1 to 8:1, more specifically, 1:1 to 4:1.

As the content of the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) increases, surface resistance and tensile strength decrease, and impact strength and a melt flow index (MI) increase. Therefore, the MI can be maintained constant by adjusting the content of the thermoplastic polyurethane according to the content of carbon nanotubes, which is a conductive filler. For example, when the content of carbon nanotubes is increased, since the MI decreases, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) may be additionally added to compensate for this.

Among components forming the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer, the vinyl cyanide compound, particularly acrylonitrile, is a component that may have an effect of improving mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and impact resistance, the conjugated diene compound, particularly, butadiene, is a component that may have an effect of improving impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and the like, and the aromatic vinyl compound, particularly, styrene, is a component that may affect moldability, electrical properties, and the like.

In particular, among the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymers, an ABS resin is a butadiene resin grafted with styrene and acrylonitrile, and by adjusting the proportion of styrene and acrylonitrile (SAN=styrene+acrylonitrile) and the proportion of butadiene, it is possible to improve mechanical properties such as the impact strength, elastic modulus, and tensile strength of the ABS resin and electrical properties such as surface resistance.

The vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer may have a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 70,000 g/mol to 250,000 g/mol, specifically, 100,000 g/mol to 200,000 g/mol, and more specifically, 120,000 g/mol to 150,000 g/mol, and when this range is satisfied, mechanical properties are excellent.

The vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer may have the ratio of the weight average molecular weight to the number average molecular weight (PDI, Poly Dispersitv Index) of 1 to 3, specifically, 1 to 2.5, more specifically, 1.5 to 1.82, and when this range is satisfied, mechanical properties are excellent.

The vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer may include components (A) vinyl cyanide compound, (B) conjugated diene compound, and (C) aromatic vinyl compound, and the weight-average molecular weights (Mw) of the components are as follows.

-   -   Component (A): Mw=45,000 g/mol to 55,000 g/mol,     -   Component (B): Mw=50,000 g/mol to 60,000 g/mol,     -   Component (C): Mw=25,000 g/mol to 35,000 g/mol.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, concerning the content ratio of components forming the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer, as the proportion of the vinyl cyanide compound and the aromatic vinyl compound increases, tensile strength is improved, and as the proportion of the conjugated diene compound increases, impact strength is improved. In addition, there is a tendency that as the proportion of the conjugated diene compound increases, a melt flow index (MI) value decreases.

As one example of the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer, in the case of an ABS resin, mechanical properties and processability can be improved by adjusting, among various factors affecting impact strength, the proportion of SAN (acrylonitrile+styrene) and the proportion of butadiene in consideration of factors due to an adhesive effect between SAN (acrylonitrile+styrene) regions and Butadiene.

The vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer may include 9 wt % to 44 wt % of component (A), 17 wt % to 79 wt % of component (B), and 9 wt % to 44 wt % of component (C). The content ratio of the sum of components (A) and (C) and component (B) may be in the range of 4:1 to 1:4. Specifically, the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer may include 15 wt % to 34 wt % of component (A), 33 wt % to 69 wt % of component (B), and 15 wt % to 34 wt % of component (C), and the content ratio of the sum of components (A) and (C) and component (B) may be in the range of 2:1 to 1:2.

Here, the wt % is obtained based on 100 wt % of the total weight of the conjugated diene rubber, the vinyl cyanide compound, and the aromatic vinyl compound.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoplastic resin may include the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer and another polymer resin or may be a blend thereof.

As the other polymer resin, any type of polymer resin can be used without particular limitation as long as it has thermoplasticity. Specifically, as the thermoplastic resin, one or a combination thereof selected from the group consisting of polyester, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyimide, polyimide, polysulfonate, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyvinyl acetal, polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, modified polyphenylene oxide, SBS, SAN, synthetic rubber, a phenolic resin, an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, and a blend or copolymer thereof, can be used.

Conductive Filler

A conductive filler according to one embodiment of the present invention may include carbon nanotubes. The conductive filler may include carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and the conductive filler may be included in an amount of 1 wt % to 40 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

The carbon nanotube can improve the impact strength and tensile strength of the thermoplastic resin and, at the same time, improve the conductivity of a thermally conductive resin. In general, carbon nanotubes are tubular materials formed of carbons connected in a hexagonal ring shape and have a diameter of several to several tens of nanometers. Carbon nanotubes are not damaged or abraded even when continuously or repeatedly used, are chemically stable, and have excellent thermal and electrical properties, so they have various applications, such as electromagnetic absorbers, antistatic agents, field emission devices, semiconductor devices, gas sensors and biosensors, fuel cells, and reinforcement agents.

The carbon nanotube according to one embodiment of the present invention is a material for imparting electrical conductivity to the thermoplastic polymer resin having low electrical conductivity, and in a product manufactured by molding a resin composition to which it is added, the carbon nanotube can improve electrical conductivity by reducing the surface resistance of the product and thus can improve antistatic properties. Specifically, when carbon nanotube aggregates are mixed with the thermoplastic polymer resin, a continuous three-dimensional network can be formed as individual carbon nanotubes are dispersed in the thermoplastic polymer resin and connected to one another, and accordingly, excellent electrical conductivity can be exhibited.

The carbon nanotube of the present invention may include single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, or a combination thereof. Specifically, carbon nanotubes in which the content ratio of the single-walled carbon nanotubes and the multi-walled carbon nanotubes is in the range of 0.1:99.9 to 50:50 may be used, and more specifically, multi-walled carbon nanotubes are preferably used. More specifically, it is preferable to use carbon nanotubes having an average diameter of 5 nm to 20 nm and an aspect ratio of 100 to 10,000 so that degradation of physical properties can be minimized and antistatic properties can be exhibited in the case of kneading with the thermoplastic resin. It is commercially advantageous to use multi-walled carbon nanotubes which are relatively inexpensive and have high purity compared to single-walled carbon nanotubes, which are expensive and have a relatively high impurity content. In addition, compared to single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes are less likely to be damaged (e.g., broken) in a composite forming process and retain a longer length after the process, and thus can make a greater contribution to improving the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of a composite material obtained as a result of the process.

Methods for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes include an arc-discharge method, a pyrolysis method, a laser vaporization method, a plasma chemical vapor deposition method, a thermal chemical vapor deposition method, and the like, but all synthesized carbon nanotubes can be used without limitation to a synthesis method thereof.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon nanotubes are preferably used in an amount of 1 wt % to 40 wt %, more specifically, 3 wt % to 20 wt %, and when the usage amount is less than 1 wt %, antistatic performance is not well exhibited, and when the usage amount is more than 20 wt %, flowability is lowered, the occurrence of surface defects increases, and desired mechanical properties are not easily obtained. In addition, as the amount of carbon nanotubes increases, surface resistance and MI decrease, and impact strength and tensile strength are improved.

As the multi-walled carbon nanotubes, bundle-type carbon nanotubes or non-bundle-type carbon nanotubes can be used without limitation.

As used herein, the term “bundle” refers to a bundle or rope form in which a plurality of carbon nanotubes are arranged in parallel or entangled unless otherwise specified. The term “non-bundle or entangled-type” refers to a form that does not have a specific form such as the above-described bundle or rope form.

The bundle-type multi-walled carbon nanotubes may have a form in which a plurality of multi-walled carbon nanotube strands are basically gathered to form a bundle, and the plurality of strands have a linear form, a curved form, or a combination thereof.

In addition, the bundle-type carbon nanotubes may also have a linear form, a curved form, or a combination thereof.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the conductive filler may additionally include a carbon filler and/or carbon black. The content ratio of carbon nanotubes:carbon filler and/or carbon black may be in the range of 1:1 to 1:15.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon filler or carbon black may be used in an amount of 1 wt % to 20 wt %, more specifically, 5 wt % to wt %, and when the usage amount is less than 1 wt %, antistatic performance is not well exhibited, and when the usage amount is more than 20 wt %, flowability is lowered, the occurrence of surface defects increases, and desired mechanical properties are not easily obtained.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the carbon nanotubes may be treated with sizing a polymer resin sizing agent. Specifically, the sizing agent may be one or more selected from the group consisting of an epoxy-based resin, a phenoxy-based resin, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polyetherimide, polyamide, polypropylene, nitric acid, and maleic anhydride, and more specifically, TPU.

A resin polymer is covalently bonded with the sizing agent, so a strong interfacial bonding force is formed, and since the sizing agent modifies the surface properties of carbon fiber, a polymer polymerized by a separate initiator can also form a better interfacial bond with carbon fiber than before, and the polymerized polymer has the similar chemical structure as the sizing agent and thus is easily bonded to the same.

Antistatic Resin Composition

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoplastic resin may include a vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Therefore, when the conductive filler including the carbon nanotubes is treated with sizing thermoplastic polyurethane, excellent interfacial bonding strength can be obtained due to the same of the polymer resins.

In this case, the method of applying the sizing agent is not particularly limited, and for example, the sizing agent may be applied by a dipping method, a roll coating method, a die coating method, a gravure coating method, a spray coating method, a flow coating method, or the like, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the antistatic resin composition may additionally include other additives. The other additives may be one or more selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer, a UV stabilizer, an antioxidant, a lubricant, a heat stabilizer, a rubber, an antibacterial agent, a release agent, a dye, an inorganic additive, a surfactant, a nucleating agent, a coupling agent, a filler, a plasticizer, an impact modifier, an admixture, a colorant, a stabilizer, an antistatic agent, a pigment, a flame retardant, and a combination of one or more thereof, and the other additives may be included in an amount of 1 wt % to 10 wt % based on the total weight.

The surface resistance of a specimen prepared by molding the antistatic resin composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may be in the range of 10² ohm/sq to 10¹⁰ ohm/sq, specifically, 10² ohm/sq to 10⁵ ohm/sq, and more specifically, 10² ohm/sq to 10⁴ ohm/sq.

The impact strength of a specimen prepared by molding the antistatic resin composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may be in the range of 30 J/m to 500 J/m, specifically, 35 J/m to 200 J/m, and more specifically, 40 J/m to 100 J/m.

The tensile strength of a specimen prepared by molding the antistatic resin composition according to one embodiment of the present invention may be in the range of 45 MPa to 100 MPa, specifically, 75 MPa to 95 MPa.

The antistatic resin composition of the present invention can be formed into a molded article through extrusion, injection, or a combination thereof and applied to an antistatic product requiring strength and electrical conductivity, but a method of manufacturing the molded article is not limited to those disclosed above, and a method commonly used in the art can be appropriately used.

Specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the method of manufacturing an antistatic resin composition molded article may include: mixing a thermoplastic resin including a vinyl cyanide compound (A)-conjugated diene compound (B)-aromatic vinyl compound (C) graft copolymer and a conductive filler including carbon nanotubes; manufacturing an antistatic molded article through extrusion, injection, or a combination thereof, wherein the conductive filler is added in an amount of 3 wt % to 20 wt % based on the total weight of the antistatic resin composition, the graft polymer includes 15 wt % to 34 wt % of component (A), 33 wt % to 69 wt % of component (B), and 15 wt % to 34 wt % of component (C), and the content ratio of the sum of components (A) and (C) and component (B) is in the range of 2:1 to 1:2.

Specific examples of the molded article that can be formed by the above method include a battery component, an electronic component transfer cart, an electronic component transfer pipe-coating material, an electronic component for thermoforming, and the like, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in several different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Example 1

47 wt % of an ABS resin, 40 wt % of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), 3 wt % of carbon nanotubes (multi-walled carbon nanotubes), and 10 wt % of carbon black were uniformly mixed so that the total amount was 100 wt %. To measure various properties, based on the prepared antistatic resin compositions, impact test specimens (thickness: 6 mm), tensile strength test specimens (thickness: 3 mm), and surface resistance test specimens (thickness: 3 mm) were prepared using an extruder and an injection machine.

Examples 2 and 3

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that the wt % of the ABS resin and the TPU resin was changed as shown in Table 1 while maintaining the types and wt % of conductive fillers of Example 1, so that the total amount was 100 wt %.

Examples 4 to 9

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 20 wt % of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was added and the contents of the ABS resin, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon fiber (CF), and carbon black (CB) were changed as shown in Table 1.

Comparative Example 1

82 wt % of an ABS resin, 5 wt % of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), 3 wt % of carbon nanotubes (multi-walled carbon nanotubes), and 10 wt % of carbon black (CB) were uniformly mixed so that the total amount was 100 wt %. To measure various properties, based on the prepared antistatic resin composition, impact test specimens (thickness: 6 mm), tensile strength test specimens (thickness: 3 mm), and surface resistance test specimens (thickness: 3 mm) were prepared using am extruder and an injection machine.

Comparative Example 2

The same procedure as in Comparative Example 1 was performed except that 5 wt % of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was added and the contents of the ABS resin, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon fiber (CF), and carbon black (CB) were changed as shown in Table 1.

Comparative Examples 3 and 4

The same procedure as in Comparative Example 1 was performed except that 60 wt % of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was added and the contents of the ABS resin, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon fiber (CF), and carbon black (CB) were changed as shown in Table 1.

Comparative Examples 5 and 6

The same procedure as in Comparative Example 1 was performed except that the thermoplastic resin only included the ABS resin and the contents of the conductive fillers were changed as shown in Table 1.

Experimental Example 1: Measurement of Surface Resistance

The surface resistance of specimens prepared according to Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6 was measured according to the following method. The surface resistance was measured by a four-probe method using a Keithley 6220 current source and a 2182A nanovoltmeter in accordance with ASTM standard D257 under a condition of a composite material thickness of 3 mm. The results of measuring surface resistance are shown in Table 1.

Experimental Example 2: Measurement of Impact Strength

The impact strength of specimens prepared according to Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6 was measured according to the following method. After forming a notch on impact test specimens (thickness: 6 mm) using a notching machine, impact strength (J/m) was measured using an Izod impact tester in accordance with ASTM standard D-256. The results of measuring impact strength are shown in Table 1.

Experimental Example 3: Measurement of Tensile Strength

The tensile strength of specimens prepared according to Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6 was measured according to the following method. The tensile strength (MPa) of tensile strength test specimens (thickness: 3 mm) was measured in accordance with ASTM standard D638 using a universal testing machine (UTM). The results of measuring tensile strength are shown in Table 1.

Experimental Example 4: Measurement of MI

The MI of the compositions of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6 was measured in accordance with ASTM standard D1238 using a melt flow index (g/10 min) tester. The results of measuring a melt flow index (MI) are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Properties Surface Impact Tensile MI Thermoplastic resins Conductive fillers resistance strength strength (g/10 Classification ABS TPU Total CNT CF CB Total (ohm/sq) (J/m) (MPa) min) Example 1 47 40 87 3 — 10 13 10² 72 65 35 Example 2 67 20 87 3 — 10 13 10³ 53 78 25 Example 3 77 10 87 3 — 10 13 10⁵ 46 84 6 Example 4 65 20 85 5 — 10 15 10⁴ 43 88 3 Example 5 65 20 85 5 10 — 15 10³ 44 65 4 Example 6 64 20 84 1 — 15 16 10⁴ 62 91 45 Example 7 64 20 84 1 15 — 16 10³ 41 68 53 Example 8 70 20 90 5  5 — 10 10² 45 66 2 Example 9 70 20 90 5 —  5 10 10² 42 62 2 Comparative 82  5 87 3 — 10 13 10⁷ 28 81 0.5 Example 1 Comparative 85  5 90 5 —  5 10 10⁵ 22 64 0 Example 2 Comparative 27 60 87 3 — 10 13 10⁵ 80 52 102 Example 3 Comparative 30 60 90 5 —  5 10 10⁶ 51 41 95 Example 4 Comparative 90 — 90 5 —  5 10 10⁸ 28 66 0 Example 5 Comparative 87 — 87 3 — 10 13 10⁸ 33 70 0 Example 6

In the above Table 1, it can be seen that the resin compositions obtained according to Examples 1 to 9 have a surface resistance of 10² ohm/sq to 10⁵ ohm/sq and excellent mechanical properties, including impact strength and tensile strength. In particular, it can be seen that a melt flow index (MI) is in the range of 2 to 53.

In particular, Examples 1 and 2 have excellent electrical properties, excellent physical properties, and an MI of 25 to 35 and thus are appropriate for both extrusion and injection processes. As the content of TPU increases, surface resistance decreases, and impact strength and an MI are improved.

In the case of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, in which a small amount of TPU was added so that the TPU content was 5 wt %, surface resistance is relatively high, but impact strength and an MI are very low, and therefore, Comparative Examples 1 and 2 are not appropriate for an injection process.

In the case of Comparative Examples 3 and 4, TPU was added so that a TPU content was 60 wt %. Since a melt flow index (MI) was very high, Comparative Examples 3 and 4 are not appropriate for an extrusion process.

In the case of Comparative Examples 5 and 6, only an ABS resin was used. It can be seen that since the affinity between the thermoplastic resin and conductive fillers decreases, surface resistance increases, and an MI and impact strength decrease.

As described above in detail a specific part of the content of the present invention, for those of ordinary skill in the art, it is clear that this specific description is only a preferred embodiment, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby. Accordingly, the substantial scope of the present invention will be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. An antistatic resin composition comprising: a thermoplastic resin including a vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); and a conductive filler including carbon nanotubes.
 2. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic resin includes: 40 wt % to 80 wt % of the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer; and 10 wt % to 40 wt % of the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
 3. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the conductive filler is included in an amount of 1 wt % to 20 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.
 4. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic resin has a melt flow index (MI) of 2 g/10 min to 60 g/10 min.
 5. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the content ratio of the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer and the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is in the range of 1:1 to 4:1, and a melt flow index (MI) of the thermoplastic resin is in the range of 2 g/10 min to 35 g/10 min.
 6. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 120,000 g/mol to 150,000 g/mol.
 7. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer includes components (A) vinyl cyanide compound, (B) conjugated diene compound, (C) aromatic vinyl compound having the following weight-average molecular weights (Mw): component (A): Mw=45,000 g/mol to 55,000 g/mol, component (B): Mw=50,000 g/mol to 60,000 g/mol, component (C): Mw=25,000 g/mol to 35,000 g/mol.
 8. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the vinyl cyanide compound-conjugated diene compound-aromatic vinyl compound graft copolymer includes: 9 wt % to 44 wt % of the component (A); 17 wt % to 79 wt % of the component (B); and 9 wt % to 44 wt % of the component (C), wherein a content ratio of the sum of the components (A) and (C) and the component (B) is in the range of 4:1 to 1:4.
 9. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the conductive filler includes one or more of a carbon filler and carbon black, and a content ratio of the carbon nanotubes and the one or more of a carbon filler and carbon black is in the range of 1:1 to 1:15 by weight.
 10. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein a surface of the carbon nanotubes is treated with sizing thermoplastic polyurethane.
 11. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the carbon nanotubes are single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, or a combination thereof.
 12. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic resin further includes one or more selected from the group consisting of polyester, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyimide, polyamide, polysulfonate, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyvinyl acetal, polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, modified polyphenylene oxide, SBS, SAN, synthetic rubber, a phenolic resin, an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, a blend thereof, and a copolymer thereof.
 13. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the composition additionally includes one or more additives selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer, a UV stabilizer, an antioxidant, a lubricant, a heat stabilizer, a rubber, an antibacterial agent, a release agent, a dye, an inorganic additive, a surfactant, a nucleating agent, a coupling agent, a filler, a plasticizer, an impact modifier, an admixture, a colorant, a stabilizer, an antistatic agent, a pigment, and a flame retardant.
 14. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the surface resistance of a specimen prepared by molding the antistatic resin composition is in the range of 10² ohm/sq to 10⁵ ohm/sq.
 15. The antistatic resin composition of claim 1, wherein the impact strength of a specimen prepared by molding the antistatic resin composition is in the range of 40 J/m to 100 J/m.
 16. An antistatic molded article manufactured and obtained by subjecting the antistatic resin composition of claim 1 to an extrusion process, an injection process, or a combination thereof.
 17. The antistatic molded article of claim 16, wherein the molded article is a battery component, an electronic component transfer cart, an electronic component packaging material, or an electronic component transfer tray.
 18. A method of manufacturing an antistatic molded article, comprising: preparing the antistatic resin composition of claim 1; and manufacturing an antistatic molded article by subjecting the antistatic resin composition to an extrusion process, an injection process, or a combination thereof. 